Neighborhood Life – January 2016

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NATIONAL WESTERN STOCK SHOW RETURNS TO DENVER

By Jason McKinney The National Western Stock Show will return to the National Western Events Center, 4655 Humboldt, January 9-24. The Stock Show has been a January tradition since 1906 and has been a draw for Denver ever since. Now in its 110th year, the stock show received a big vote of confidence last month when Denver voters approved Measure 2C, which will improve the Colorado Convention Center and create the new National Western Center, a year-round experiential education, research, commerce and entertainment campus that will be the permanent home for the National Western Stock Show.

The stock show is celebrating the approval of 2C

by designating January 19th a Free Day for all; all Denver voters and stock show fans will receive free grounds admission. Regular grounds admission prices vary, depending on the day and the event. Daily grounds admission ranges from $10-19 for Adults (12+) and $2-3 for Children (3-11), those age 2 and under are free. Discounted tickets will be available on the 24th for Fan Appreciation Day and will be $10 for Adults and $3 for Children.

The stock show showcases rodeos, livestock and horse shows, and kids activities, in addition to the judged competitions that are the central purpose of the event. The first rodeo was held in 1931 and the number of events has grown ever since. There are too

The Western Stock Show parade rolls into town on Thurs., Jan. 7 at noon.. PHOTO BY JEFF HERSCH

DENVER MLK JR. DAY CELEBRATION; ONE OF THE LARGEST IN THE NATION

By Jason McKinney Every January, Denver honors Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. with one of the largest celebrations in the nation, even now eclipsing the one in Washington, D.C. The two big events on MLK Jr. Day in Denver are the Marade and the Martin Luther King Jr. African American Rodeo of Champions, which is presented in conjunction with the National Western Stock Show. Both events will be held on Mon., Jan. 19.

As the name indicates, the Marade is a combination march/ parade that begins at 10:45 am at the MLK, Jr. statue in City Park. Participants will congregate at the memorial site in City Park (17th & Colorado), beginning at 10 am. The Marade will move its way down Colfax to Sherman and through the Capitol grounds; then down Broadway to Civic Center Park, where cake will be served and a program about Dr. King will be held. The Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. yearbook will be signed again this year at the Colorado State Capitol Building, and festivities are expected

many to mention here, but a few highlights follow and the rest can be found on the event schedule at nationalwestern.com.

The kick-off parade will be held on Thurs., Jan. 7 at noon and will start at Union Station and move down 17th. The parade always includes bands, floats, horseback riders, cowboys and cowgirls, and the real draw – Longhorn cattle. The parade is free for all to watch.

Former Denver Broncos placekicker, Rich Karlis, will be the parade’s Grand Marshall.

A few of the lesser-known events at the stock show include school visits, wood carving demonstrations, pedal tractor races (for the kids!), sheep shearing demonstrations, stick horse events, Top Hogs (pigs doing tricks and impressions) and even more family-themed events. There are various days and times for these events, so you’ll want to check the schedule before heading out.

If you’re not into the whole “rope a calf and drag it around by its legs” kind of thing, there are other animal events you might be interested in. The family-friendly, Wild West Show will be held on Sat., Jan. 16 at 5 pm. Highlighting the color and pageantry of the Old West, the show is full of quick draw antics and cowboy entertainment, painting the story of how the West was won. Created as a tribute to the great Buffalo Bill shows of yesteryear, the show features nonstop action, dramatically drawing guests into the original ways of the West. Tickets range in price from $22-45.

There is also the Evening of Dancing Horses on Thurs., Jan. 21 at 7:30 pm. The event brings the best equestrian talent together in front of live music from the Denver Brass. Enjoy an evening full of formal dressage, reigning, liberty and equestrian talent from around the world. Ticket prices range from $23-45.

Families might enjoy the last day of the Stock Show the best. Not only are tickets discounted, but there will be free pony rides for the kids all day long. For more information about any and all events, go to nationalwestern.com.

to end at 1 pm. The total distance of the Marade is 5K. For more information, go to drmartinlkingjrchc.org.

The Martin Luther King Jr. African-American Rodeo of Champions at the National Western Complex (4655 Humboldt) has been part of the National Western Stock Show since 1984 and it illustrates how black cowboys and cowgirls impacted the West throughout its early days of settlement; they were of particular importance because they constituted one out of every three individuals helping to settle the West at the time. Rodeo competition events include Bull Doggin’ (trapping and wrestling a moving steer to the ground from the back of a moving horse) the Pony Express relay, ladies’ steer undecorating (chasing down a steer while on horseback and removing a ribbon from the steer’s shoulder), bull riding and various other traditional rodeo events.

The Rodeo begins at 6 pm and tickets range from $18-40.

For purchasing options, visit nationalwestern.com; for more information about the Rodeo’s history, go to mlkrodeo.com.

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EDITORIAL

PUBLISHERS

ADVERTISING

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Shanna Taylor Steve Koehler

303.831.8634 Get your message to your neighbors in City Park West, Whittier, San Rafael, Uptown, Curtis Park, Five Points, and RiNo.

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editor@lifeoncaphill.com press releases, calendar listings, story ideas, news tips due by January 20 for the February issue Published the first Wednesday of each month

PHOTOGRAPHERS Jeff Hersch Dani Shae Thompson

WRITERS D. Todd Clough Peg Ekstrand Nancy Foster Julie Hutchinson Peter Jones Jacob Karp Linda Katchen Keith Lewis Lokken Liane Jason McKinney J. Patrick O’Leary J.L. Schultheis Price Caroline Schomp Denny Taylor Jennifer Turner Daniel Webster, Jr.

DESIGN & PRODUCTION Tim Berland J Patrick O’Leary Melissa Harris

HAVE YOUR INSTAGRAM PHOTOS PUBLISHED IN NEIGHBORHOOD LIFE! Are you looking forward to anything in the New Year in Denver?

I am always looking forward to pursuing my studio work in oil painting, and showing it locally (Center for the Visual Arts in Denver in July, Bosnia in February); traveling to new places (Sarajevo in February and Reykjavik in August); and finally, seeing more art, both in Colorado and abroad.

Our featured Instagram user for December is: TRINE BUMILLER, @trinebumiller What draws you to use Instagram as a way to connect with others?

As an artist, I first started using Instagram several years ago because it is a visual medium, and because of the emphasis on images rather than words.

What do you like about this photo and what kind of camera did you use to take it?

I shot this photo at sunset in City Park. I walk my dog there every day and the light and the reflection are especially dramatic at sunrise and sunset. I used an iphone 5.

Cover photos by (L to R) 1. Trine Bumiller, @trinebullimer, www.trinebumiller.com 2. Carole Goodwin, @uptowngirldenver 3. @denverlifenews 4. Mary Maguire, @maryemaguire 5. Dani Shae Thompson, @DaniShae4

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April Jones, Attorney at Colorado Affordable Legal Services. PHOTO BY DANI SHAE THOMPSON

LOCAL LAW FIRM FIGHTS EVICTIONS, HOMELESSNESS

By Jacob Karp As Denver continues to experience rapid population growth, renters throughout the city are beginning to confront numerous issues. Facing rising rents, limited rentable inventory and a lack of affordable housing, current and prospective renters need to understand their rights as tenants within Colorado.

Unfortunately, what many renters who experience issues or disputes with landlords quickly find is that laws in Colorado are strongly on the side of the landlord.

“Colorado is a very landlord friendly place and I don’t see that changing anytime soon,” said April Jones, attorney and counselor at law.

April Jones, who along with her husband Floyd Jones operates Colorado Affordable Legal Services (CALS), says that because of the landlord friendly laws it is even more important that individuals understand their rights as a renter.

“The problems are becoming greater because of the current housing market,” said April Jones. “There is a driving need to provide assistance for tenants that lack basic education on their tenant rights in Colorado.”

Founded on Capitol Hill in 2011 and serving Denver, Jefferson and Arapahoe counties, CALS is a full service law firm whose primary goals are to educate, guide and counsel individuals on their tenant rights as they relate to the resolution of legal issues, while ultimately preventing evictions.

Core issues that CALS primarily provides tenants assistance with include repair problems, early lease terminations, unwarranted rent increases, security deposit issues and most importantly, potential evictions.

Depending on the needs of the individual, CALS provides in-person consultations and assess-

ments, education and coaching on how to represent oneself in court, and also represents individuals in court when necessary.

“Often times our clients can’t afford an attorney, so we provide them the education piece for when they do go to court on their own behalf. We advise them on how to represent themselves in trial from A to Z,” explained April Jones.

“We answer, assess, qualify and help that individual all the way through the judicial process,” adds Floyd Jones, who serves as legal administrator and tenant rights counselor at the firm.

With many of the individuals that CALS helps belonging to the lower and middle class, a sudden eviction can quickly lead to unintentional and unplanned homelessness. Officially termed as a Forcible Entry and Detainer (FED), the timetable for an eviction can move rapidly, sometimes in less than a week. If the evicted party does not have access to a place to go or an alternate affordable housing situation, they then risk becoming homeless.

“Everyone that is homeless isn’t because of a substance abuse problem. Some were just told by the court that they couldn’t live there anymore. The problem that we are seeing is the lack of affordable housing and rent control,” revealed Floyd Jones.

In 2014 there were more than 8,000 FEDs filed in Denver. While not all FEDs result in eviction, each one that does has a lasting effect on the tenant as it stays on their record for seven years, with the ruling requiring no explanation for the reason for eviction.

“Once a FED has been placed, there is no landlord in Colorado that is going to touch that tenant,” confirmed Floyd Jones, who also refers to an eviction as a “Scarlet Letter.”

The reality of an eviction

often goes further than just the individual named on the eviction notice. With many renters cohabitating, each eviction means the entire household must now search for new housing arrangements.

To further help combat evictions and homelessness, CALS plans to open the Colorado Eviction Defense Center (CEDC) in early 2016. The CEDC is pending final funding, but plans to act as a separate entity that will provide pro-bono counsel and representation services for those who cannot afford it.

“Needed more than ever is access to legal services. The CEDC will provide an urgent public service in the judicial process for people who are in danger of being evicted,” said Floyd Jones.

CALS also offers additional free resources for individuals seeking information and education through their Housing Eviction Legal Program (HELP) hotline and Tenant Rights and Fair Housing Law Workshops.

The HELP hotline allows renters and landlords to call in with questions in regards to tenant and landlord rights and responsibilities. The hotline helped nearly 1,600 people in 2015, with 95% of callers being tenants.

The Tenant Rights and Fair Housing Law Workshop covers tenant’s rights issues relating to leases, rent increases, notices from landlords and many other topics. The last workshop took place in November and had nearly 50 people in attendance, with the next one scheduled for early 2016 In addition to legal services, CALS also collaborates and partners with other local agencies to provide information and resources to residents who may have affordable housing, rental assistance or food related needs.

To contact CALS for further information, please call 303-9960010 or visit their website at coloradoaffordablelegal.com.

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7 GREAT FREE EVENTS NOT TO BE MISSED THIS MONTH 1 2

Friday & Saturday, January 8 & 9: Denver Zoo Free Days, 2300 Steele St., open from 10 am-4 pm.

Tuesday, January 12: Free concert at St. John’s Cathedral, 1350 Washington.

Music at Noon program with the Colorado Chamber Players presenting Shostakovich: Five Pieces for Two Violins and Piano (arr. Atovmian); Viola Sonata op. 147 (1975) and Prokofiev: Sonata no. 2 for Violin and Piano, op. 94bis (1943). 12 pm

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Tuesday, January 12: The Colorado Symphony is honored to host the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Concert & Humanitarian Awards at Boettcher Concert Hall at 7:30pm. Admission is free, but tickets are required. Tickets are available, in person, at the Boettcher Concert Hall Box Office.

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Monday, January 18: Free admission to the Denver Botanic Gardens, 1007 York Street, 9 am-5 pm.

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Tuesday, January 19: Free admission to the National Western Stock Show, 4655 Humboldt.

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Tuesday, January 19: Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Marade begins at 10:45 am at the MLK, Jr. statue in City Park. Participants will congregate at the memorial site in City Park (17th & Colorado), beginning at 10 am. The Marade will move its way down Colfax to Sherman and through the Capitol grounds; then down Broadway to Civic Center Park, where cake will be served and a program about Dr. King will be held.

Monday, January 25: Try your hand at Monday Music & Movie Trivia at 7:30 pm in the Henderson Lounge at the Sie FilmCenter, 2510 East Colfax Avenue.

Admission is free.

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You’ll want to stowaway for days at RiNo’s newest coffee shop and restaurant. Stowaway Coffee + Kitchen is now open at 2528 Walnut.

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OPENINGS: STOWAWAY COFFEE + KITCHEN If I had room in my calendar, I’d stowaway here. The new Stowaway Coffee & Kitchen at 2528 Walnut is that inviting.

This is the independent venture by a girl from Illinois, Amy

Cohen, and a New Zealander, Hayden Barnie. The husband and wife duo met teaching English in Japan and began to see the world.

“We've had the benefit of working in kitchens, coffee shops and coffee roasters in different parts of the world, which has inevitably shaped the vision for our own place!” said Cohen.

That vision is based on balance.

“There’s equal focus on coffee

A curved conveyor belt is part of the charm at Sushi-Rama, a new eatery on Larimer that tempts diners to grab plates as they go by.

and food,” added Barnie. “Food that compliments coffee very well.”

The duo has nearly 20 years of combined cafe experience and a passion for quality. Coffee features some locals like Boxcar and Corvus roasters. Food is designed to be “fresh and vibrant.”

After Japan, Cohen and Barnie landed in Melbourne, Australia where flat whites and pour overs are popular coffee terms. “(They’re) best mates with poached eggs and other curious bits of deliciousness on a plate,” she explained of the breakfast focus.

Pricing at the coffee bar is approachable with beverages topping out at $4.50.

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and poached eggs. Other entrees include braised lamb with roasted grapes, almond chicken sliders or buttermilk squash ciabatta.

Baked goods are all crafted inhouse. The fruit loaf is studded with apricots, prunes and raisins.

Buckwheat chocolate chip cookies and other goodies are bound to tempt.

Yet Cohen and Barnie are aiming for something far grander than eggs and a latte.

“We began to see these places as something bigger than just cafes – they are communities.

They're homes. Traveling has warped our sense of home, but has also helped us realize a few personal values: good company and good food. So I guess Stowaway is our attempt at creating a home for ourselves and the good folks of Denver,” Cohen said.

Stowaway’s founders traveled all over the US but a visit to Cohen’s Denver family settled the issue.

“It was everything we were looking for: progressive minded, community-oriented, creative and passionate. It soon became clear that many other people were also attracted to these traits and were making Denver their new home. There is an almost tangible momentum in this city, an excited buzz, that makes us all feel like we are a part of something really special,” Cohen said of their choice.

It’s no wonder that their quest for the pioneer spirit drew them to RiNo, which is just booming.

They hope to draw a lot of new residents moving into the area’s many emerging apartment locations.

The former Denver Sewer Pipe Co. location has been totally redone. It’s light and inviting.

In summer, a garage door will connect the interior to a spacious patio overlooking Walnut.

Barnie is pleased with the renovation that now seats up to 75.

“I’m really happy with it.

Really surprised,” he said of the 1920s building’s rebirth.

Parking is tight. There’s just on-street options or the garage over on Blake currently, but that could change as business expands. A handful of new eateries in the next block north have banded together to offer valet service and Stowaway will ponder that option.

Hours on weekdays (except Tuesday when they’re closed) are 7 am-3 pm. Weekends, it’s 8 am-3 pm. The number is 720-636-2374.

SUSHI-RAMA Admittedly I’ve been waiting to see this place for some time, and the last of the businesses to open in the new build space on Larimer was worth the wait.

Sushi-Rama, 2615 Larimer, is a two-story eatery built around a kaiten, a conveyor belt system that encourages diners to grab the plates of food as they go by.

Whatever you like.

The sushi, edamame and other bites sit on plates with different color rims. The color determines the price. Many feature ½ portions of larger menu items. When you’re full, your server will add up the colors to determine your tab.

“You can sample the whole menu or just a few items,” said chef Jesus Silva.

This is another offering from Jeff Osaka, who recently opened Osaka Ramen on Walnut in RiNo and on E. 3rd in Cherry Creek North (CCN). Kaiten is found in Japanese eateries on both coasts, but it’s rare in Colorado.

Each plate also contains a microchip to make sure it is fresh. After three revolutions on the conveyor, the dish is pulled and becomes what GM Michael Burbage calls “server snacks.”

Chef Silva is serious about fresh fish. He even plans to open Silva’s Market in the nearby Central Market space when it debuts this spring – another offering from Osaka and partner Ken Wolf.

He believes that being a fish seller will help the restaurant offer the freshest sushi at a lower price.

The small plates on the conveyor are priced from $3 and go up in 50-cent increments to $5 per plate.

Silva brings an interesting background to this new job.

He’s been cooking for 24 years although he doesn't look a day over 30. His credentials include a stint at the long gone Mao restaurant in CCN. He smokes the king salmon in-house and recommends that first timers try the red snapper Japanese style or the Hamarama – a roll with spicy scallops.

For the less adventurous (you

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Décor accents at the new Rackhouse Pub on Blake include a vintage Liquor sign and manufacturing equipment plus light fixtures fashioned from old kitchen racks. know who you are), there’s also a menu of warm items including mussels, asparagus and bacon skewers and miso soup.

Official opening day was December 20 and I hope diners could take their eyes of the revolving foods to appreciate the décor. This is a perfect use of space with a 1960s cinema-inspired interior (hence the Rama in the name).

Colorful art anchors one wall and the light fixtures are just perfect. The place seats 20 upstairs, 24 along the counter and will have a small patio as well come spring.

If you want to see the belt in action (yes, please!) it probably pays to stop by between noon and 2 pm or after 5:30 pm. Until diners discover this concept, the belt won’t be running all day long.

Doors open at 11 am daily except Monday when the staff rests. Weekdays, Sushi-Rama closes at 9 pm, weekends the kitchen is open until 11 pm or later. The number is 720-476-4643.

Central Market when it opens will feature a 14,000 sq. ft. space and will boast 13 different food artisans.

RACKHOUSE PUB This next offering is the reincarnation of the Rackhouse Pub that used to reside inside Stranahan’s Colorado Whiskey distillery on Kalamath before closing nearly two years ago.

Located next to C Squared Ciders at 2875 Blake, it’s the latest wave of remodeling for a vintage brick structure.

The pub space anchors the center of the building perched on the second level. It affords fantastic views of Brighton Boulevard, light rail and the mountains. It also overlooks the two production spaces below.

Now that it’s open, Rackhouse will serve as the tasting room for C Squared and also for Bierstadt Lager, which should be pouring some time in late February. The goal is to have many Bierstadt and C Squared products on tap plus a guest tap or two. There’s also a cellar that is packed with 3,000 beers in bottles.

Owner Chris Rippe says customers will recognize some of the furnishings from Kalamath, but the menu’s entirely new with

the exception of the signature Rackhouse mac and cheese with its multiple protein additions.

The pub boasts a scratch kitchen and Rippe feels it also offers a low price point.

“I want to see somebody two to three times a week at lunch, not just on special occasions.”

In addition to ‘handhelds’ like the Dip or mushroom flatbread and a selection of salads, there are entrees including Jaeger schnitzel and chateaubriand. Situated next to a cidery, the chef couldn’t resist adding an apple cider turnover with Devonshire cream to the menu.

Rippe clearly loves his job, but if he had a second life, he’d spend it scavenging and repurposing old items. At the top of the stairs, there’s a massive old liquor sign that he found at Queen City Salvage. Other found items include a metal door he transformed into several high tops and old carts from the Denver Seed Company liquidation auction.

The old kitchen pot rack from Rackhouse’s first location is now a chandelier over a large community table.

This man’s eyes light up as he points out the other reclamation efforts, but he saved the best for last. The bar top is a three sided space and there’s a bowling pin sitting between two taps. That’s because the wooden bar top is made from wood from the old Elitch Lanes bowling alley.

Rackhouse opened in mid-December and will soon offer tours of the brewing facilities too.

They also sell growlers of beer or cider to go. Hours are Sun.-Wed., 11 am-11 pm, Thurs.-Sat., 11 am-midnight. The number is 720570-7824 or check out therackhouse.com.

HOP ALLEY Uncle Ramen in LoHi was a huge hit, so folks have been eagerly awaiting the first look at owner Tommy Lee’s second venture at 3500 Larimer.

Now the speculation ends with the opening of Hop Alley, a Chinese eatery that’s quite different from Lee’s first success story.

Hop Alley was the name of Denver’s original Chinatown located in LoDo. It was torn apart by riots in the 1880s. A third Chinatown evolved on Larimer

The first shop to open in the new Backyard on Blake is River North Workshop Co. which features works from many local artists. The shop will also hold classes in the coming months.

and Market streets.

For starters, this new eatery places much greater influence on its bar program. There’s an intimate bar area anchoring the north end of the room and the cocktail offerings pay homage to the year of the rat, ox, tiger, rabbit and more.

An open kitchen connects to the main dining area. Best restaurant idea ever? There’s a built-in Lazy Susan on one large table to facilitate sharing and sampling all the plates.

You won’t find sweet and sour pork on the menu however.

Instead, there are entrees like tea-poached prawns and Beijing duck rolls with scallion pancakes.

There’s also a Taiwanese beef noodle soup if you’re craving the comfort of Uncle’s.

The decor is not your typical Chinese eatery either. The walls have a charred wood look and

all the accents are hot pink. So is the website – hopalleydenver. com.

The place is open Mon.-Sat. from 5:30 pm to close. There is no plan to add lunch. Dinner’s all there is. The number is 720-3798340.

RIVER NORTH WORKSHOP COMPANY The prize for “First Business To Open in the Backyard on Blake complex” goes to River North Workshop Company at 3030 Blake.

Alicia Hendricks is co-owner and creative director. Her business partner is Fiona Arnold who owns the Backyard development.

Workshop doesn't fit any specific niche. It’s instead a unique blend of practical things – like laundry detergent and soap you can buy from huge pumps – and charming locally made goods.

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“Fifty to sixty percent of what we carry is made locally,” said Hendricks.

In addition to gifts and home goods, Hendricks is offering classes starting in January.

Topics include using a letterpress, building terrariums, and learning how to use milk paint on furniture. There will also be candle and soap making classes.

The Workshop space faces north of the courtyard that will anchor Backyard. Stay tuned for more on this new RiNo project.

Hours are Wed.-Sat., 11 am-6 pm & Sun., 11 am-4 pm. For info see Rivernorthworkshop.com and 303-242-4080.

KADAMPA MEDITATION CENTERS For years, Kadampa Meditation Center has operated at 1081 Marcontinued on page 6

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The name has changed but inside the eatery formerly known as Marco’s Coal-Fired Pizza on Larimer, customers will recognize the same quality Neapolitan pies and Italian entrees. The

BUSINESS Continued from 5 ion on the Hill. Now this business has expanded to a second location at 1336 Glenarm downtown in the former Denver Press Club building.

“This attractive, modern and newly renovated space can seat 120 people (on wide, comfortable chairs!) and also has a larger area for socializing, kids’ classes, and a bookstore,” said administrative director Kate Franklin. “Our hope and expectation is that this new development will help Buddhism, meditation, and inner peace flourish in Denver and Colorado for years to come.”

The nonprofit holds several Tuesday events at Marion Street (now called KMC Colorado Cap Hill) including a free noontime meditation, but the larger space will feature a greater variety of offerings.

Classes run $10 with seniors, students and military members paying $7. You can drop-in to any class and there’s no need to preregister. Credit cards and checks are accepted as well as cash. You can find class details at meditationincolorado.org. Members pay $40 a month and attend classes for free in addition to receiving other discounts.

KMC Colorado is part of a network of over a thousand Kadampa Buddhist Meditation Centers and branches worldwide.

Franklin added, “You don’t have to be a Buddhist to learn how to meditate or to benefit from meditation. Thousands of

people of all ages have enjoyed classes here since the Center was established 20 years ago.”

“Downtown, our practical introductory classes are on Wednesdays, Sunday Mornings, Happiness Hour and Lunchtime Meditations, and our Branch Classes are all suitable for newcomers,” she said. “We have a new popular intermediate level class, Meditations on the Path, on Thursdays. Kids’ Meditation Classes take place on Sunday mornings, and KMC Colorado welcomes school and group visits throughout the year.”

The Center is offering a free discussion on learning to meditate January 6th at 7 pm. It’s a great way to explore the benefits of the technique. It’s also a chance to check out the new facility or visit kadampa.org.

CHANGES: RACCA’S PIZZERIA NAPOLETANA “You’re messing me up with this name change,” a loyal customer gripped when she stopped by. It’s a common complaint since Marco’s Coal-Fired Pizza at 2129 Larimer changed its name a couple months ago.

Nope, it’s not a new business.

Just a new name – Racca’s Pizzeria Napoletana.

I covered the original opening of Marco’s back in 2008 and it was nice to catch up with co-owner Mark(o) Dym. At the time, Dym had imported not just ovens and flour from Naples, but

Owner Britt Madden shows off her prized 1915 letter press that she and her business partner use to emboss invitations, leather for handbags, and works of art.

a chef to train his crew too.

The vision of authentic Napoli tastes has never wavered. In the past seven and a half years, Marco’s added a second location and there are two more eateries in the works – one in the metro area and a second in Wyoming.

That’s when Dym knew he had an issue to face. A ‘grab a slice’ operation also named Marco’s was invading Colorado. That chain of 600+ pie joints was creating a lot of confusion. When Dym first opened the flagship store, he received a letter from the chain challenging his name but a stern response silenced that debate.

Then Marco’s Pizza opened a Colorado store on E. Colfax near Gaylord and the confusion for customers began.

For an eatery that won Pizza Today’s 2015 Independent Pizzeria of the year, this was not a comparison to embrace. Racca’s is not anything like the chain, but Dym knew he had to do something.

“I don’t know what’s going to be our future. I just knew we had to have our own identity,” he said.

He said the identity crisis was not new. The word ‘coal’ in the name was confusing since the pizzas were cooked in the wood oven. The coal oven was used for items like the lemoncello chicken wings.

Rebranding isn’t easy – especially for a place that’s over seven years old, but Dym and his wife/ co-owner Kristy bit the bullet and went whole hog. They switched up the menu, too.

Where there were once two

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categories of pies – Neapolitan and New York style, there’s now just one. All the NY favorites are still there, but in truth, true NY style is the style you find in Naples so why divide the list? The NY combos have been renamed, but you’ll find their old names in the small print. The menu also includes lasagna, eggplant rollatini, salads, sandwiches and meatball sliders.

“Pizza fired by passion” is the company slogan and the passion is still evident after this sixmonth transition. The only thing different is the name.

Kristy’s maiden name was Latorracca and that’s what inspired the new name. It has a nice ring to it – Racca’s.

Racca’s opens at 11 am daily.

Closing times vary by date with later hours on Friday & Saturday.

Raccaspizzeria.com is the web address and 303-296-7000 is the number.

Don’t be surprised the Tow Away signs at the front door. Like most Ballpark ventures, Racca’s has no dedicated parking. They rent space in a lot, but you can only park after 5 pm weekdays &11 am on weekends. No parking during Rockies games.

BANSHEE PRESS What a difference a coat of paint makes. The owner of Banshee Press at 2751 Larimer near Meadowlark Kitchen is getting a lot of second looks after its owner spruced up the exterior.

Banshee is a three-year-old business that relocated to Larimer roughly two years ago. Owner Britt Madden and business partner Ava Goldberg are into all things embossed. The shop is home to several vintage presses including a 1915 press that must have been a bear to move.

“I got my start in printmaking in college, though I never studied letterpress. From there I moved to Steamboat Springs to work for a fine art edition publishing company to learn more about the print world. There I bought my first letterpress and practiced in my garage,” said Madden. “I am almost entirely self taught.”

Madden works with numerous materials. Goldberg is often seen using the press to pattern fine leather she then turns into purses and clutch bags.

Finding the right building was an extra challenge because the

presses are both heavy and wide.

Large doorways and a very solid floor were on the ‘must’ list.

“I looked at quite a few. I knew I wanted to buy a building and my needs were specific enough that it was hard to find the right fit. I got very lucky,” Madden added.

“When I purchased the building two years ago, I wasn’t looking for a hot spot. I just wanted a place to put my stuff.”

As for the hours, it’s fine to drop in, but hours are very irregular. Next December on First Friday, the shop will again host its annual art show.

The work in that show comes from artists that appeal to Madden or Goldberg. They’ll reach out to those creators and offer to turn recent works into saleable items using letterpress techniques. Banshee fronts the costs and when each project breaks even, they split the remaining profits with the artists. It’s been a popular feature and for Madden offers a nice change of pace from their day to day work which often involves wedding invitations or gift cards for local businesses.

I just had to ask about the company name. Madden replied, “My partner and I are just wild ladies!”

They’re both talented too.

Check out bansheepress.com or animalhandmade.com for some examples of their work or call 720-560-6526. The banshee site offers a short video that explains the lengthy process of using the old presses.

NOCTURNE JAZZ & SUPPER CLUB Nocturne celebrated its first New Year’s Eve a couple days ago.

The supper club at 1330 27th also has a new menu approach for diners in 2016. Chef Greg Weadick and his team have expanded offerings to include a new cheese and charcuterie program, largeplate entrees, and the winter five-course tasting menu.

The tasting menu changes with the seasons. The wine list has also been expanded to include more wine and champagne selections plus some new cocktails.

More info is available at nocturnejazz.com.

FLEX YOGA BARRE continued on page 7

7 The newish exercise studio on the upper level of Five Points Plaza has added a handful of new classes to its schedule as owners tune into what patrons desire.

There’s now a barre + yoga fusion class, a free, 15 minute meditation group on Saturday mornings, Vin Yin Yoga, and Power Vinyasa Yoga with lots of heat and a new instructor.

The full schedule is available at flexyogabarre.com. The studio is located at 2736 Welton and classes are offered daily. You can sample one class for free as a newcomer.

MILE HIGH MONTESSORI EARLY LEARNING CENTERS MHM has been working with youngsters a long time – 45 years to be exact. The Center with offices at 1780 Marion was launched in 1970 with a mission to “provide safe, affordable child care for the children of low income families while they pursued training and schooling to attain self-sufficiency.”

During the past four and a half decades, MHM's programs and services have evolved in response to emerging research that defined the impact of early intervention on a child's lifelong ability to learn.

MHM operates a total of six learning centers in the metro

area; the two in this area can be found at 2851 Tremont and 3503 Marion.

In addition, MHM operates two drop-in centers in partnership with Denver Human Services and Denver Courts to service clients’ children with connections to those agencies.

One founding principle has not evolved, according to President and CEO Dr. Pam Harris. That’s the focus on the need for quality early childhood education and care for Denver's most vulnerable children. That remains unchanged. You can reach MHM at 303-861-2602.

CLOSED: TOM’S HOME COOKIN’ Tom’s Home Cookin’ at 800 E. 26th in Five Points is gone. The duo who have operated the ‘lunch only’ eatery for over 16 years, listed the property for sale, reportedly to ‘test the waters.’ The property was grabbed up so fast it made me dizzy.

Listed for $585,000, the property sold in a matter of days. The transaction happened so rapidly that there was no extended farewell or any opportunity for folks to make final farewell visits.

Fans of Tom’s were legion – often waiting in lines that coursed

Janesse and friends have a ball making the base for a giant snowman in Civic Center Park. around the building to get a table for lunch.

The space is reportedly going to be reopened as a different eatery in the coming months.

Bet they won’t be serving catfish, though.

THE AFRICAN AND AMERICAN TRADING COMPANY The African and American trading company on East 21st near York is history.

PHOTO BY JEFF HERSCH

BARKWAY DOG

FUEL CAFE

Another established venture bid farewell to the RiNo District in recent weeks. This time, it's Barkway – a doggie daycare operation that relocated from its long time digs at 29th & Larimer to 4891 Washington.

Doggone services still include overnight boarding and a self-service dog wash. The number is 303-295-0975.

You’ll have to make another selection the next time your body needs fuel. The Fuel Café that operated in the Taxi mixed-use project on Brighton has shut after a run of over eight years.

Its companion operation, Refuel, has also closed.

Send Biz news to Jeanne@ lifeoncaphill.com.

DENVER PARKS AND REC TO REVISE MASTER PLAN IN 2016

By Keith Lewis If anyone in Denver tells you they are bored, they simply are not trying hard enough. Do that person a favor and point them to our world-class system of parks, public golf courses, and recreation centers. Denver’s park system is among the best in the nation, and the Denver Parks and Recreation Department is one of the major reasons for the success of our park system. With our city’s 6,000 acres of urban parks, 24 lakes, nine dog parks, eight public golf courses, 27 recreation centers, and 29 swimming pools, there is always something to enjoy. Denver is well on its way to the city’s vision of creating a “city in a park” where there is always green space, a walking trail, or a community activity right around the corner.

To keep pace with progress, the parks department periodically prepares a master plan, called the Game Plan, to re-examine how our city’s parks department

can better serve its residents and visitors. The Game Plan is carefully created after “extensive analysis and collaboration with public interest and user groups,” the department says. The latest master plan was released in 2003, but a significant revision is underway in 2016.

According to Denver Parks and Recreation, “the City has changed in many ways [since 2003], with shifting demographics, a population explosion, and new and different challenges that could not have been anticipated 12 years ago,” said Cynthia Karvaski, a spokesperson for the department. “DPR is excited to re-engage with our community to determine a path forward, setting priorities, addressing problems and taking advantage of opportunities to deliver a world class park system for a world class city,” she adds.

This year, Denver Parks and Recreation will overhaul its Game Plan for all Denver parks in order

CHUN HOLDS ANNUAL MEETING

By Denny Taylor Capitol Hill United Neighborhoods, Inc. (CHUN) annual meeting will be held on Thurs., Jan. 7 at 7 pm in Saint John’s Cathedral (Dagwell Hall) at 1350 Washington. Due to some remodeling work on the cathedral, please plan to enter the building on Clarkson St. (near the southeast corner of the building).

Attending this important meeting you will not only be updated on the happenings for 2016, but the slate of at‐large delegates to the CHUN board will elected for 2016. In addition, Good Neighbor awards will be presented. Come out and be informed about your neighborhood. The meeting is open to the public.

to revise its long-term strategies and ensure Denver’s beautiful parks remain successful for our neighbors to continue to enjoy.

Since the most recent comprehensive analysis was completed in 2003, the city has nearly doubled its urban park acreage, added ten new swimming pools, and doubled the miles of trails and walkways. Also since 2003, Denver has grown by over 100,000 residents. Given such significant change in our city and our parks since the last master plan, a comprehensive revision is in order. Karvaski also notes “many of the goals and objectives outlined in the 2003 plan have been achieved or are in progress.”

Denver’s park system evolved from humble beginnings as the early pioneers created Curtis Park from a single city block in 1868. Today’s Denverites enjoy a massive network of parks, often serving as neighborhood center-

pieces and namesakes. City Park is Denver’s largest – at 314 acres – followed by Sloan’s Lake and Washington Park. It also might surprise many to learn that Denver manages 14,000 acres of mountain parks and even two bison herds in Genesee Park and Daniels Park. It’s a big job for the Parks Department’s $92.6 million annual budget and its 2,190 full time and seasonal workers.

Denver parks are more than our urban oasis. Our park system offers adult and youth sports, fitness boot camps, arts and cultural events. With 300 athletic fields and dozens of recreation centers, there is sure to be one in your neighborhood. The Parks and Recreation Department also cares for the city’s fountains and flowerbeds, and oversees more than 1,200 acres of natural land.

2016 is set to be a great one for Parks and Recreation. Look for construction on the new Cen-

tral Denver Recreation Center at Colfax & Josephine, which broke ground in November and will be the city’s largest once completed.

The Parks and Recreation Department will be seeking public input on the Game Plan revision in the coming months, so look for information on those opportunities to participate.

For more information about Denver Parks and Recreation, including permit information, upcoming events, and how to get involved, please visit their website at DenverGov.org.

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Sarah Rockett, Artist in residence at Redline Contemporary Arts Center.PHOTO

BY DANI SHAE

THOMPSON

Daisy Patton, Artist in residence at Redline Contemporary Arts Center.

PHOTO BY DANI SHAE

THOMPSON

REDLINE CONTEMPORARY ART CENTER WINS MAYOR’S AWARD 2ND YEAR IN A ROW

By Jennifer Turner On November 18, the winners of the 2015 Mayor’s Awards for Excellence in Arts & Culture were announced at a reception at the Studio Loft at the Ellie Caulkins Opera House where Mayor Michael Hancock presided over the awards luncheon. RedLine Contemporary Art Center was one of the honorees for the second year in a row. Last year the organization took home the People’s Choice Award. This year it won the IMAGINE 2020 award, which is a new category.

Mayor Hancock said, “Denver is so proud of those who contribute so much to our thriving creative economy and cultural vitality. Arts and culture continue to shape our great city into the vibrant, diverse community that it is. That contribution to the progress of our city deserves recognition and gratitude.”

IMAGINE 2020 is a collaborative cultural plan for the city, and the first since 1989. Its goal is to provide the citizens of Denver with a renewed sense of direction in the promotion of arts, culture and creativity. This can be in the form

of support for arts education at Denver Public Schools, increasing access to neighborhood cultural events or creatively energizing the public life of the city’s residents.

The plan is full of positive ideas and goals that will elevate Denver’s standing as an international cultural destination.

RedLine exemplifies IMAGINE 2020. The mission of the 501(c) (3) charity is to “foster education and engagement between artists and communities to create positive social change.” The organization strives for artistic excellence while viewing art as a vehicle for strengthening neighborhoods and civic engagement. With its dynamic physical space, talented resident artists and proximity to some of Denver’s most culturally diverse areas, it is a place where all forms of creative expression are celebrated and integrated into the fabric of the community.

Laura Merage is the founder of RedLine. Born in Iran in 1958, she moved with her family to Los Angeles in the early 1970s. Mrs. Merage received her Bachelor of Fine Art from USC and her Masters in Art

from NYU. An artist and photographer, her works can be found in public and private collections in the United States and abroad. The David and Laura Merage Foundation purchased RedLine’s Five Points building, and the organization opened its doors in 2008.

While RedLine has cutting edge exhibition space, the heart of the organization is its resident artist program, which provides studio space to approximately 12 artists during a two year term.

Mrs. Merage is aware first hand of the difficulties artists face in finding space to create. She felt if that space was provided amazing things, beyond even the artwork itself, could happen.

RedLine artists are able to develop relationships with each other and members of the community in a creative, supportive environment. This can help build access to the arts for all. It can also provide the public a greater understanding of what artists are truly like, beyond just the objects they create.

The artist application process is three-tiered and deliberately

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designed to be light on paperwork. A national call is posted on callforentry.org. The first step is a blind art jury that only reviews the artist’s statement, and his or her work. After candidates make it through the art jury, a community jury reviews their volunteer work, and assesses their comfort level around sharing an open studio and their practice with the community. The final stage is an on-sight interview.

New artists arrive in September, and their two year term is staggered so only half are leaving as a new group is just beginning the program. The focus tends to be on local talent, but there have been candidates selected from other states and countries. Diversity and inclusivity are critical to the selection process.

One of the most important RedLine programs is the EPIC Arts program. EPIC is an acronym for Educational Partnership Initiative for the Creative. A resident artist is paired with an art teacher and a class of students from a Denver area K-12 public school. Many of the participating schools have high numbers of children from low-income families. Originally, the program was built to serve schools in RedLine’s Five Points neighborhood, but has expanded to include 25 schools from around the Denver area. The program runs for one semester in the fall or spring.

The RedLine artist works with the students to identify an issue of importance such as teenage pregnancy or unsafe neighborhoods, through the lens of social justice. The group then collab-

orates on an artwork incorporating the chosen topic. At the end of the semester, the piece is displayed at RedLine, and the artists and families come together for a reception. The process helps to legitimize art as a profession to program participants and their parents, many of whom have limited artistic exposure. It also provides students another vehicle for expressing concerns and fears.

Bullying in the classroom was the catalyst for one recent EPIC project. Students designed superhero costumes complete with masks and capes as a way to protect each other from bullies.

The project had such an impact it helped drive wholesale policy changes at the elementary school around how to better address bullying.

Homelessness is another RedLine cause. A program was created by two resident artists called Reach Studio to assist artists who have experienced homelessness, hardship or are in-transition. On Tuesday afternoons from 1-4 pm, studio space, materials and a supportive environment are provided at the art center. Drop-in days are the first and third Tuesday of the month. Since its inception five years ago, a number of the artists involved in the program have gone on to sell their work and receive scholarships to art schools.

RedLine is generously supported by the SCFD, but also relies heavily on donations from individuals, corporations and foundations for funding. This unique organization is a Denver treasure, and well-worth the time to learn more about.

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CLEO PARKER ROBINSON DANCE - INTERNATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF BLACKS IN DANCE

By Nancy Foster For a woman who eats, sleeps and breathes dance, and has for most of her life, it's easy to assume that her mantra really is “dance out loud.” But it's more than an assumption, it's the real McCoy. Still slim, trim and enthusiastic, Cleo Parker Robinson at 67, recently commemorated the 45th anniversary of Cleo Parker Robinson Dance in 2015. “Bamboula,” a special project for the anniversary, both colorful and spirited, was celebrated at the University of Denver last year. Parker Robinson is the dance company’s founder, artistic director and choreographer.

Raised in Denver's Five Points neighborhood, by an African-American father and a white mother, both of whom were musicians, Parker Robinson started dancing as a young child with her dad, Jonathan “J.P.” Parker.

As this story goes to press, LIFE has learned that Parker Robinson’s father passed, and we send our sincere condolences to the family as they fondly remember the joyful days with “J.P.” Her love of dance stuck.

Although she was no stranger to color discrimination back in the day, she has carried on successfully, despite what she has experienced.

Therefore, it should be no surprise that during January 20-24, Parker Robinson and her dance company will host, “Black Dance Rising,” the 28th Annual International Association of Blacks in Dance (IABD) Conference and Festival. Parker Robin-

son who still has plenty of skin in the game has welcomed the festival to Denver four previous times.

Joan Myers Brown, founder and artistic director of Philadanco, the Philadelphia Dance Co, founded IABD, located in Washington, DC, in 1991. The first festival, which convened several years before the IABC was formally founded, attracted about 80 dance professionals, while the upcoming conference/festival expects to entice between 400600 dance professionals not only from the United States, but also from Africa, Australia, the Caribbean, Europe and South America.

A spokesperson for IABD said, “The International Association of Blacks in Dance preserves and promotes dance by people of African ancestry or origin, and assists and increases opportunities for dancer artists to network, learn about funding, performance, education, audience and philosophical development, touring and advocacy options as nearly 100 dance-related organizations are IABD members.”

And while Parker Robinson is a homegrown girl whose influence has been recognized both locally and internationally, she recently completed and performed in the role of “Shakti,” Granny's guardian angel, in one of Denver's annual holiday favorites, “Granny Dances to a Holiday Drum.” Yet, the biggest thrill Parker Robinson felt with this season's production, was bringing “Granny” back to her theater in Five Points, to a newly renovated theater in the historic

Shorter A.M.E. Church at 119 Park Avenue West where Parker Robinson has held her dance school since 1990. African-Americans established the church congregation in 1898 – with the current structure, circa 1925, receiving historic designation status from the City and County of Denver's Landmark Preservation Commission in 1997.

“Traveling the world” without leaving the country, in her role as “Granny,” Parker Robinson has shared many accounts over the years reflecting international seasonal, spiritual and cultural festivals. And she has offered lessons in the same vein to audiences around the United States and throughout Europe, including Iceland, and in Africa, South America and Asia.

Locally, Robinson Parker has received accolades from city and state officials, hall of fame awards and recognition from various universities. During Bill Clinton’s presidency, Parker Robinson was named to the National Council on the Arts.

Between the holiday performances, the upcoming international dance festival, a donation of a new conference table to the dance group and a December snowstorm that disrupted outreach programs and other matters, Parker Robinson has been a busy woman.

With a full slate of movement and fitness classes for children, teens and adults, along with other community outreach programs on the Front Range, all designed with a cross-cultural approach in mind, the dance company

RTD INTRODUCES SIMPLIFIED FARES & LOW-COST DAY PASSES

By Denny Taylor The Regional Transportation District (RTD) has implemented a new fare structure effective Jan. 1 designed to streamline the way passengers pay for trips across the agency’s expanding transit system.

New features include day passes offering riders unlimited trips through the entire service day for the cost of a single $5.20 round trip; simplified rail zones; a flat $9 fare for services to and from Denver International Airport; printers aboard buses for day pass purchases; and reclassified new bus and rail trip routes are categorized as Local, Regional and Airport to simplify service categories.

Express bus routes will become Local or Regional trips. New rail zones are A, B, C & Airport. Travel in one or two zones will require a Local fare; travel in three zones will require a Regional fare; and travel in the Airport zone will require an Airport fare.

A one-way Local trip will cost $2.60; a one-way Regional trip will cost $4.50; and a one-way trip to or from DIA will cost $9.

Half-fare discounts will still be

available for elementary, middle and high school students ages 6-19, Medicare recipients, passengers with disabilities and people ages 65 and above.

Active military personnel will continue to ride RTD services at no cost. 10-Ride ticket books are available at retail outlets and provide approximately a 10 percent discount.

“Our agency has spent a lot of time working with the community to develop what we think is the best fare structure for the growing Denver metro area,” said RTD Interim General Manager and CEO David Genova. “2016 will be historic for RTD with the opening of five new transit lines. We urge everyone to be ready for our… new fare policies.”

RTD is asking passengers to “know your fare” and look into the best way to get to their destination, how much it will cost and where to buy the appropriate fare media.

The agency's new fare structure stems from a nearly two-year process that included an extensive public engagement process across the eight-county Denver metro

region.

“The public gave great input, RTD listened and now we have a simplified, more equitable fare structure that will help connect people with our system and to one another across the metro area,” said RTD Board of Directors Chair Chuck Sisk.

Passengers can find more information about RTD’s new fares at http://www.rtd-denver.com/ fares-2016.shtml or by calling Customer Care at 303-299-6000.

In addition to introducing new fares, RTD will open five transit corridors in 2016 and launch a pilot of its new MyRide smart card program.

RTD’s newest fleet addition is the U.S. 36 Flatiron Flyer bus rapid transit system, which opens Jan. 3. Customers will have the opportunity to try the new service at no cost on Jan. 4.

RTD’s mission is to provide safe, clean, reliable, courteous, accessible and cost-effective bus and rail services in the eight-county district, and fulfills 100 million passenger trips annually. For more information, please visit www.rtd-denver.com

that has possessed 501(c)(3) status since 1971, has thrived.

The classes encourage everyone, regardless of age, gender, ethnic background and with known or unknown dance skills, to experience the rhythm in one's body.

The dance studio has benefited the community – serving more than 60,000 persons annually in the Rocky Mountain region with classes in Pilates, zumba, hip-hop, West African dance and Bhangra and more. That engagement has enveloped a lot of folks since the company's initial grassroots beginnings as a Model Cities initiative in 1970.

According to Sheila Mieger, office systems manager of the Scientific Cultural Facilities District, CPRD’s budget runs in the area of $900,000 annually (up or down in any one year). It is a Tier III organization; a group of small cultural and scientific organizations that as a group receive 13.5% of SCFD funding.

Opening the Colorado community and others to the upcoming international dance festival is not only exciting for Parker Robinson, but for her staff as well. The keynote speaker will be Jawole Willa Jo Zollar, founder of Urban Bush Women, a Brooklyn nonprofit organization started in 1984.

Among the other participating dance companies are: Alvin Ailey American Dance Theatre, Duke Ellington Performing Arts School, Baltimore Dance Tech,

New Orleans Ballet Association Center for Dance, West Las Vegas Arts Center, Dallas Black Dance Theatre II, Howard University, University of Las Vegas, Virginia Commonwealth University, Dayton Contemporary Dance, Lula Washington Dance, Forces of Nature and Philadanco. Others may have been added after copy deadline. The event will provide an opportunity to network, attend workshops and panel discussions.

Performances, showcases, classes and events will be open to the public in various locations in Denver. Venues included will be: Paramount Theatre, Ellie Caulkins Opera House, Sheraton Hotel Downtown, and Newman Center at the University of Denver, Robert and Judi Newman Education Building at the Denver Performing Arts Center and in the Recreation Department at Metropolitan State University where a dance major has recently been established at the college.

Also auditions will be scheduled for the conference's first annual ballet audition for women, and for summer programs at Cleo Parker Robinson Dance.

Executive director, and Parker Robinson's son, Makik Robinson, noted, “Culture is a powerful factor in the self-determination equation. Black dance does not exist without critical thought, study, examination and discipline. It's easy to be entranced or enamored by movement, but black dance is communication.

(It) humanizes, empowers and informs.”

His mother would agree, while Parker Robinson sums up her affection for dance, “It's not only physical, but combines mind, body and spirit which translates into, ‘One Spirit, Many Voices.’”

For information about Cleo Parker Robinson Dance, or tickets for the upcoming IABD conference, contact www.cleoparkerrobinson.org or 303-295-1759.

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CALENDAR NEIGHBORHOOD Calendar listings are free. Local, special, free & nonprofit events are given priority. Mail to P.O. Box 18344, Denver, CO 80218 or email to: Editor@LifeOnCapHill.com.

Deadline: 20th of current month for next month’s listings. Note that LIFE is published on the first Wednesday of the month. Readers are advised to call the appropriate number to verify dates & times. This calendar is also available at Neighborhood-Life.com.

FAMILY TUESDAYS: Young Children’s Storytime, The Tattered Cover, Colfax & Elizabeth, 10:30 am.

Free. Different topic each week.

Call 303-322-1965, ext. 2731.

• “Book Babies,” a language enrichment program for babies age six to 23 months, 10:30 am, Children’s Library of the Denver Public Library, 14th & Broadway.

Call 720-865-1306.

FRIDAYS: Bilingual Storytime at the Ford Library, 28th & High,

10:30 am. Call 720-865-0920.

GALLERIES FRIDAY, JAN. 1: First Friday Art Walk in the Golden Triangle Museum District.

Free bus, maps at all galleries.

Free shuttle to the Santa Fe walk, below. Call 303-573-5095.

• First Friday Art Walk, Santa Fe Art District, 6th to 10th on Santa Fe. Call 303-333-2820.

• First Friday Art Walk & Free Public Reception for the Denver Artist Guild, Byers-Evans House Museum, 1310 Bannock st., 5-8 pm, call 303-620-4933 for more info.

MONTH-LONG: • Counterpath’s Open Opening is New Year’s Day, 7935 East 14th, help welcome Counterpath to its new neighborhood, Jan. 1-31 by bringing whatever art you can and we’ll put it on display. We’ll take anything anyone brings, small to large, indoor/ outdoor, videos or performances welcome. Come out and join us

HOT NIGHT TANGO BLUES FUSION is a long name for some great tango and blues instructors. Keep yourself warm with some hot dancing this January! The Savoy, 2700 Arapahoe, Jan. 9, 8 pm-1:30 am, $8-$18. 303883-6691; tangobluesfusion.com

any time, and please come early if your piece has needs or special installation. We’ll keep as much as possible on display through Jan. 31. See more at: http:// counterpathpress.org/open-opening-new-years • Ice Cube Gallery presents ICEBREAKER 7 a national juried exhibition featuring many artist from across the US showing Jan. 7-30, Juror is Ivar Zeile. Opening reception is Fri. Jan 8, 6-9 pm, free admission, 3320 Walnut St., call 303-292-1822 for more info.

• David B. Smith Gallery, 1543 A Wazee Street, presents a collection by Michael Theodore.

Showing Jan. 22-Feb. 6, free admission, call 303-893-4234 for info.

• An exhibit "Unexpected Narratives" Featuring the work of Bryan Leister, Ben Strawn, Bill Vielehr & Roland Bernier presented by Walker Fine Art, 300 W. 11th, showing Jan.15-Mar. 12, First Friday free reception is Feb. 5 & Mar. 4. Call 303-355-8955.

• “Under the Guillotine”, featuring James Gillray & Contemporary counterparts, now showing at the Center for Visual Art, runs, 965 Santa Fe. Showing Dec. 19-Mar. 2016. Free admission, Call 303-294-5207.

WORKSHOPS, LECTURES & MEETINGS FRIDAY, JAN. 1: Community Resources Forum, 9-10:30 am, Sterne-Elder Room of Exempla St. Joseph Hospital, Russell Pavilion, 19th & Lafayette. Free Continental breakfast, varying presentations. Free parking in Humboldt Garage off 20th. Continues the 1st Fri. of every month. Call 303866-8889.

• Monthly Downtown Democratic Forum Breakfast, 6:45-8 am, Le Grand Bistro, 1512 Curtis.

Buffet $15. Public welcome. Repeated 1st Fri. of the month.Call 303-861-8050 MONDAY, JAN. 4 & 18: Skyline Toastmasters, 6:30 pm, Kephart Architecture, 2555 Walnut. Visitors welcome. Repeated the 1st & 3rd Mon. of every month. Call 303-778-0064.

WEDNESDAY, JAN. 6: Free Legal Night at El Centro de San Juan Diego, 2830 Lawrence. 20 volunteer lawyers, one-on-one consultations, 5:30-7 pm. First come, first serve. Spanish/English provided. Repeated the 1st Weds.

WALKER FINE ART invites you to 'Unexpected Narratives,' featuring the divergent styles of 4 artists in the Walker stable. Their work is sure and intriguing and worth a visit. Featuring the works of Bryan Leister, Ben Strawb, Bill Vielehr, and Roland Bernier. 300 11th, Jan 15-Mar. 12, 303355-8955; walkerfineart.com of every month. Call 303-5731302.

• Monthly meeting of Democratic Party of Denver House District 5, Colorado Democratic Party HQ, 789 Sherman, 7-9 pm.

Repeated 1st Weds. of every month, varying location. Call 303-830-8242.

• Rotary Club of Five Points meets 1st Wed, 6-7 pm, varying locations, New members welcome!

Call 720-891-0843 for information.

• Learn To Meditate at KMC Downtown at 1336 Glenarm Place is a proven way to overcome stress and keep a positive, relaxed and creative attitude to life. Kadam Lucy James will explain the basics of meditation and how to get started. Free admission, 7-8:30 pm, http:// meditationincolorado.org/ learn-to-meditate-denver/ THURSDAY, JAN. 7: Monthly meeting of Parents & Friends of Lesbians & Gays (PFLAG), 6:30 pm, Montview Blvd. Presbyterian Church, 1980 Dahlia. Repeated 1st Thurs. of every month with a different topic. Call 303-5735861.

• Macedonia Kinship Care Group, 1-3 pm at Macedonia Baptist Church, 3240 Adams. For relatives raising children. Repeated 1st Thurs. of every month.

FRIDAY, JAN. 8: GOP Monthly Breakfast at Pete's Greek Town Cafe, 2910 Colfax. Great speakers & conservative camaraderie.

Please RSVP, so we can plan appropriately. No need to pay in advance, but please order breakfast to support Pete's. Individual checks. Be there 7 am, order by 7:20 am so speaker is not interrupted. Repeated 2nd Fri. of the month. On-line registration required.

SATURDAY, JAN. 9: Beginning Genealogy class, the Denver Public Library, 13th & Broadway, Gates Conference Room, Level 5, 1:30-4 pm (register at 1 pm). Repeated 2nd Sat. of every month.

Free. Call 720-865-1821.

TUESDAY, JAN. 12: Active Minds, Venice: Biography of a City. Perhaps no other city in the world conjures such distinct images as the gondolas plying the canals of Venice. Join us for a virtual tour of this beautiful and historic city that is visited by more than 20 million tourists each year.Tattered Cover, 2526 E. Colfax, 12:30-1:30 pm, Free, 303322-7727 WEDNESDAY, JAN. 13: The Citizens' Climate Lobby meets monthly, every second Wed, at the First Unitarian Society of Denver, 1400 Lafayette St, 6:30 pm - 8:00 pm. For information call 303-322-0079. Letter writing (to Members of Congress) takes place monthly, every fourth Wed., at Hooked on Colfax (3213 E. Colfax) coffee shop 6:30 pm.

• La Leche League of Denver meets 2nd Wed. of the month, Blair-Caldwell Library, 2401

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WALKER FINE ART presents 'Exhibition: Extraction,' featuring the work of Brigan Gresh, whose conceptual theme is complex and personal. Her simplified shapes belie the deftness of her brush. 300 W. 11th, through Jan. 9, 11 am. - 5 pm.,

11 Welton, 12:30 pm. Call 720-8652115.

WEDNESDAY, JAN. 13 & 27: Monthly meeting of Assistance League of Denver, 14th & Josephine, 10 am. Repeated 2nd & 4th Wed. of every month. 2nd Wed. is lunch w/entertainment, 4th Wed. is Bingo w/ lunch. Call 303-322-5205.

SATURDAY, JAN. 16: Colorado House District 8 Democrats, 10 am-noon, Park Hill Library, 4705 Montview. Repeated 3rd Sat. of every month. Call 720-220-6876.

MONDAY, JAN. 18: Monthly meeting of the Denver Garden Club, 7 pm, 1556 Emerson. Member Colo. Federation of Garden Clubs. All are welcome. Repeated 3rd Mon. of every month. Call 303-320-5983.

THURSDAY, JAN. 21: Monthly meeting of Financially Fit Females, 6 pm. First meeting free, location & topic change monthly, 3rd Thurs. of month. Call 303993-3939.

TUESDAY, JAN. 26: Denver Metro Young Republicans holds its General Meetings and Happy Hours on the fourth Tuesday of each month, starting at 5:30 p.m. with an informal social hour. The official meeting begins at 6:30 p.m. and features a speaker or panel discussion. Cap City Tavern, 1247 Bannock Street. For information call 720-931-8888.

• Greece. Join Active Minds 5-6pm for a program that highlights the ongoing Greek financial crisis and how it is creating political and economic turmoil within the country and beyond, especially within the European Community. Tattered Cover, 2526 E Colfax, Admission is free, call 303-322-7727 SUNDAYS: Capoeira Angola Introductory Class, Mercury Cafe, 22nd & California, 10:30 am. Free.

Other classes available. Call 303294-9258.

• Tibetan Buddhist Meditation introduction to NgonDro, 9:30-10:30 am, Mercury Cafe, 22nd & California. Free, other classes available. Call 303-3225874.

• Meditation and Kirtan. Every Sunday at 4 pm at 854 Pearl Street. Free & Childcare provided.

For more info call Ed 720-8109071.

MONDAYS: Bridge Group, 12:30 - 3:30 pm, & Movie Night Mondays, 6:30 pm, both at Coffee at the Point, 27th & Welton, free garage parking. Free Adm. Call 303-955-2237.

• Free Zumba classes, 6 - 7 pm, Manual High School cafeteria, 28th & Williams (enter on south side). Free, offered

by YMCA Community Programs Branch. Call 303-292-2281.

TUESDAYS: Denver Chess Club, 6:30-10:30 pm, basement of West First Ave. Presbyterian Church, 120 W. 1st. Call 720-318-6496.

• Moderate Yoga, St. Paul United Methodist Church, 1615 Ogden, 6-7:15 pm. Fee charged.

Call 303-818-4181.

• Argentine Tango, practice & lessons, Turnverein Event Center, 1570 Clarkson, 6:30-10:30 pm.

Free, Call 303-710-2250.

• “Meditation at Noon,” a free, 30-minute, guided meditation, KMC Colorado, 1081 Marion. Call 303-813-9551.

• Classic Film Series at Denver Central Library, Free on Level B2 Conference Center at 7-9:30 p.m. unless otherwise noted.

WEDNESDAYS: Kiwanis Club of Denver,12-1:30 pm, Maggiano’s at the Denver Pavilions, 16th & Glenarm. Program varies weekly.

• Rotary Club of Five Points, 6 - 7pm. Varying locations for meetings and service projects.

New members are welcome. 720891-0843.

THURSDAYS: Fillmore Community Network, focuses on sustainability, 7:30-9 am, 1633 Fillmore, 1st floor conference room. Location changes monthly.

Call 303-399-2100.

• Beginning Computers, Ford-Warren Library, 28th & High, 6-7 pm. Free. Call 720-8650920 • Cherry Creek Toastmasters, 7-8:30 am, Temple Emanuel, 1st & Grape. Call 303-399-9901.

• Conquer the fear of public speaking at Body Shops Toastmasters, noon, Colo. Dept. of Health, 4300 Cherry Creek Dr. South, 2nd flr. Call 303-398-4735.

• Denver Socrates Cafe, 7 pm, Trinity United Methodist Church, 18th & Broadway. Discussions on a variety of important topics.

Free. Call 303-861-1447.

• Downtown Denver Euchre

Club, All Fired Up, 1135 Bannock, 7 pm (promptly). Call 303825-1995.

FRIDAYS: Daybreak Toastmasters, 7-8:30 am, 1525 Sherman, Room B-70. Cat got your tongue?

Public speaking & more. Call Scott after 6 pm at 303-4679294.

• “Thrillspeakers” Toastmasters, noon-1 pm, Webb building, 201 W. Colfax, Room 4i4. Call 720-209-2896.

• Denver IDEA Cafe, a business start-up & brainstorming group, 2 pm, Panera Bread, 1350 Grant. Guest speakers. Free. Call 303-861-1447.

• Community Awareness Program, Counterterrorism Education Learning Lab (CELL), 1st Saturdays, 99 W. 12th, 6-8 pm.

Call 303-844-4000, ext. 8.

•“Writers’ Church,” a “drop-in writer's’ jam” hosted by Curious Theatre Co. the 1st Sun. of every month, The Acoma Center, 1080 Acoma, 10:30 am-1 pm. Free. Call 303-623-0524.

• Lunchtime Meditation at KMC Downtown at 1336 Glenarm Place. Take 30 minutes in the middle of the day to connect to your heart, cultivate inner peace and happiness, and clarify your intention for the day. Free on Friday’s, 12:15-12:45 pm, http://meditationincolorado.org/ classes-kmc-colorado/meditation-noon/ • Happiness Hour at KMC Downtown at 1336 Glenarm Place consists of a short talk and guided relaxing meditation to help us increase our peaceful good heart.

Free on Friday’s, 5:15-6:15 pm, http://meditationincolorado. org/classes-kmc-colorado/happiness-hour/ SATURDAYS: Drum-Making Circle, Unity on the Avenue, 4670 E. 17th, 11 am - 2pm.

Call 303-320-3901.

TUESDAYS & THURSDAYS: “Community Learning Plaza”, free computer access for language class practice, job searches, homework help & more, Ford-Warren Library, 28th & High, 5-7:30 pm. Free. Call 720865-0920.

WEDNESDAYS & SATURDAYS: continued on page 12

THE TAMING OF THE SHREW like you've never seen it! Enjoy this gender-switching version of the Shakespeare classic presented by the nascent 'Lost and Found Productions' at the Bug Theater, 3654 Navajo, Jan. 7-17, 7:30 pm. $15/$20. 720-434-5245; lostandfoundproductions.net

ABEND GALLERY invites you to 'Animalia' featuring a group of seasoned artists depicting wildlife in a representational mode with an occasional surreal twist. 2260 E. Colfax, Jan. 29-Mar. 5, 303-355-0950; abendgallery. com

7th January m at 6:00p

VENTURE PREP 1 X 10

12 CALENDAR Continued from 11 16th & Josephine Recycling Center open 3-6 pm Weds. & 9 am-12 pm Sat. WEEKDAYS: Free “Computer Basics” classes at the Denver Public Library’s “Community Technology Center,” 13th & Broadway, Level 4, varying afternoon times.

Large variety of classes & skill levels . Call 720-865-1706.

• Free Afternoon Lectures at the Denver Public Library, 10 W. 14th Ave. Pkwy., Level Five in the Gates Reading Room. Lectures begin at 1:30 p.m. and are free and open to the public. For information call 303.839.1671 • Guided Meditation, Denver Ashram, 1559 High, 6 -6:30 am.

Free, donations Welcome. Call 303-885-6727.

SENIORS SATURDAY, JAN. 9: Free Day for seniors 64+ at the Denver Firefighters Museum, 1326 Tremont Pl. Repeated 2nd Sat. of every month. Call 303-892-1436.

THURSDAY, JAN. 13: Seniors’ Book Discussion Group discusses contemporary fiction available in book & audio formats, 1-2:30 pm in the Level Four Meeting Room of the Denver Public Library, 13th & Broadway. Repeated 2nd Thurs. of every month. Call 720-8651312.

TUESDAYS: Seniors’ Bible Study, 9:30 am at the Salvation Army Red Shield Center, 29th & High.

Call 303-295-2107

RELIGION SUNDAYS: Worship Celebration 10:30 am, Buddhist Christian Interspiritual Service 5 pm, St. Paul Church, 1615 Ogden. Call 303-832-4929.

• Catholic Mass, 6:30, 8:30 & 10:10 am, 12:30 & 6:30 pm, Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, Colfax & Logan. Call 303-831-7010.

• Church in the City-Beth Abraham, 16th & Gaylord, 8:30 & 10:45 am. Call 303-322-5733.

• Catholic Mass for lesbian, gay, bisexual & transgender Catholics, 5 pm, Dignity Denver, 1100 Fillmore. Call 720-515-4528.

• Center for Spiritual Living Denver, Sunday celebrations: meditation 9:30 am, service & children’s church 10 am, 2590 Washington. Call 303-832-5206.

• L2 Church, 1477 Columbine, Sunday morning worship service at 9 am. For more info info@ L2today.com • Church of Scientology, Sunday service 11 am-12 pm. All are welcome.

2340 Blake St, Denver 80205.

Lots of parking off of Park & Blake.

• Episcopal Church of the Holy Redeemer, 2552 Williams, 10 am. Call 303-831-8963.

• Interfaith Devotions, 10:0011:30am. All are welcome to reflect together on the scriptures of the world's faiths. Sponsored by the Baha'is of Denver. Baha'i Center of Metro Denver, Bayaud & Grant. Call 303-744-6456.

• Chapel Service, Red Shield Community Center, 2915 High, 11 am (all age Sunday School 10 am). Call 303-295-2107.

• Catholic Mass, 7:30 & 10 am, St. Ignatius Loyola Catholic Church, 23rd & York. Call 303322-8042.

• St. Paul Lutheran, Lutheran Mass at 8 & 10:30 am, 16th & Grant. Call 303-839-1432.

• The Center of Light, “A Mystical Sunday Service,” 9:30 am silent meditation, 10 am service,, 23rd & Forest. Workshops & classes also offered. Call 303-9137053.

MONDAYS: Grant Avenue Street Reach Meal, after 9 am, St. Paul Lutheran, 16th & Grant. Call 303839-1432.

WEDNESDAYS: Weekly Bible Discussions, 11:30 am-12:30 pm, Christian Science Metropolitan Reading Room, 16th & Larimer.

Call 303-534-3571.

• Testimony Meeting, 7:30 pm, First Church of Christ, Scientist, 1401 Logan. Call 303-8391505.

THURSDAYS: Morning Eucharist, 7 am, St. Paul Lutheran, 1600 Grant. A 30-minute liturgy of Word & Sacrament. Call 303-

GALLERY M introduces the pop and abstract art of Nadaleena Mirat Brettmann. Her mixed media pieces and speed-painting technique give her work a freshness that is invigorating. 180 Cook, #101, 303-331-8400; gallerym.com services at Temple Micah, 2600 Leyden, 1st & 3rd Fri. 6 pm, 2nd 839-1432. & 4th Sat. 10 am. Family services • Choral Evensong in tradion first Friday. Call 303-388-4239. tional English style, St. An• Catholic Mass, 5 pm, St. Igdrew’s Episcopal Church, 2015 natius Loyola Catholic Church, Glenarm, 5:30-6 pm. Call 30323rd & York. 303-322-8042.

296-1712.

• Church in the City-Beth • Buddhist & Non-Sectarian Abraham, 16th & Gaylord, 10 Meditation, 7-9 pm at Vipassana am. Call 303-322-5733.

Towers, 330 Acoma. American • St. Paul Lutheran & Roman Theravada & non-sectarian. Free.

Catholic Community, 16th & Also every other Tuesday. Call Grant, Catholic mass at 303-778-8883.

FRIDAYS & SATURDAYS: Weekly continued on page 15

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13

EAT & DRINK DINNER’S SERVED AT THE KITCHEN TABLE Copy by Daniel Webster Photos courtesy of The Kitchen Table Dave Kilroy, owner of The Kitchen Table Cafe, wants to disavow his customers, loyal eaters, and tourists of something: “We don’t sell out everyday. I mean sometimes we won’t have certain items in the evening, but it’s not everything,” he says.

Like the beloved and now defunct Tom’s Home Cookin’, The Kitchen Table Cafe receives heavy traffic. Lines often snake around the mostly residential block of E. 22nd Ave., replete with nearby hospital workers, waiting to grub on Kilroy’s Midwest heavy menu featuring Kansas City style BBQ. The inspiration behind his fly-over food comes from his own roots, growing up in Kansas City.

But by now he’s spent nearly the other half of his life here in Denver, moving out here on a lark at 21.

“I was a crazy 21-year-old kid that needed to move somewhere for six months to kind of restart their life. Just was a lot of bad decisions – who doesn’t at that age – and I fell in love with the city,” he said.

Fast forward through the transition stage, and now he’s a reputable businessman here in Denver, although this isn’t his first merry go round with ownership. In fact, this is an old hat, having been a part of many start-ups and owning a CU-Denver business degree.

While the “former wild child turned entrepreneur” is becoming a more common narrative in this era, one that transitions into the culinary world is more than a hop-skip. And with that comes a few lessons.

The first he admits is the wide assortment of allergies, and having to add and shift menu items to account for them.

“I didn’t realize the amount of individuals with gluten intolerances, celiac, dairy, and shellfish

allergies. We’re very careful and transparent about our ingredients as a result. Although, I’ve had “gluten free” customers come in and order Mac & Cheese, the stuffed Portobello mushrooms with panko bread crumbs, and a biscuit,” he said with a slight chuckle.

The other is not so much a lesson, but rather a technological advantage for Kilroy: social media. Consistently a Yelp! Top 100 restaurant and promising to respond to Facebook messages in an hour (he hit me back within less than 24 hours), Kilroy uses and needs the Internet for his business due to the simple facts that; a) he wants to keep his customers engaged and b) they are in an out-of-the-way spot in the City Park West neighborhood.

“I don’t think 10 years ago we could have stayed in business. It’s not an obvious location, so the power of social media is real for us,” he explained.

I wasn’t totally convinced that social media was his saving grace, given that the food is home (Midwest) cookin’ at its best. I was served up a meat platter that showcased the BBQ Burnt Ends Plate, which in more lay terms is double smoked beef brisket that has all the qualities of slow cooked meat with a fattier texture that nearly melts in your mouth – it’s excellent. The BBQ pulled pork is not mass produced (Chipotle), the strings of succulent pork a lunchtime delicacy. And the side of coleslaw – mixed with mayonnaise and carrots and I detect celery seeds, alongside a serving of well-seasoned collard greens (one of a few Southern additions to the menu) were made in good hands.

There was a smattering of young, old, and families here at 1:45 pm on a Wednesday. All gave the food their silent praises – head nods, mmm's, and smiles – affirming the many high ratings this place deserves and receives.

And while the dinner crowd may not exist yet, Kilroy’s plans for the New Year suggest he and the staff will be striving harder to fill the stomachs of former patrons of Tom’s Home Cookin’ and a push toward more legitimacy for that dinner crowd.

“We’re adding fried chicken and chicken fried steak starting in the New Year after a flood of serious demand, a set daily special, and fingers crossed, beer and wine later in 2016,” he says.

Cheers to all that, and to The Kitchen Table Cafe.

RECYCLE YOUR CHRISTMAS TREE – IT’S AS EASY AS 1,2,3!

By Denny Taylor Recycling your Christmas tree is as easy as 1,2,3 with Denver Recycles/Solid Waste Management’s annual Treecycle program.

This year’s program will run January 4 through January 15.

By recycling your tree through Denver’s Treecycle program, you can help keep trees out of the landfill, reduce greenhouse gas emissions and help create mulch that is available to Denver residents for free at the Annual Treecycle Mulch Giveaway & Leafdrop Compost Sale in the spring.

Here’s how easy it is to recycle your Christmas tree: 1.

Remove all decorations, lights, and the tree stand. Natural (real) trees only! NO artificial or flocked trees.

2.

Set your tree out for

collection during the two-week Treecycle collection period (January 4-15).

Christmas trees are collected by tree-only collection trucks during this period.

3.

Reclaim free mulch made from your tree at the Annual Treecycle Mulch Giveaway & LeafDrop Compost Sale in the spring!

Treecycle set out instructions depend on your regular trash service type. Manual & Cart customers should set trees out at their regular trash set out locations by 7 am on their trash collection day during the week of Jan. 4th or the week of Jan. 11th. Dumpster customers should set trees in the alley by 7 am on either Mon., Jan. 4th or Mon., Jan. 11th and the trees will be removed during

that week.

Do not place trees in trash carts or dumpsters. Trees placed in trash carts or dumpsters are mixed in with other trash and do not get recycled. Instead, trees should be placed at least two feet away from dumpsters, carts and other obstacles so that the special tree-only collection trucks can access them.

Last year, Denver residents recycled nearly 20,000 trees. Please participate in this year’s Treecycle program and help us recycle even more in 2016!

For more information about Treecycle, the Annual Treecycle Mulch Giveaway and LeafDrop Compost Sale, or other Denver Recycles programs call 720-9131311 or visit DenverGov.org/DenverRecycles.

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14

SCHOOLS

By Linda Katchen, Ph. D A new year brings with it new beginnings and hope for growth and change. Students may set resolutions to get their work done on time, to study early for tests and to get as much out of all their classes as they can.

Teachers may resolve to grade papers and return them in a timely fashion and continue to prepare the most interesting lessons possible. We look forward to spring bringing with it longer days and second chances.

In December President Obama signed the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA), which is intended to replace No Child Left Behind (NCLB), the education act that has been in place since 2002. President Bush had a goal that by 2014, NCLB would have improved student performance and that all children would be performing at grade level.

Contrary to expectations, The New York Times reported in an editorial Dec. 10 by David Kirp, “things have gotten worse by almost every measure. SAT scores have declined, as have the scores of American students, compared with their counterparts in other nations, on the PISA (Program for International Student Assessment) exam. The rate of progress on the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP), the nation’s report card, was actually higher, both overall and for specific demographic groups, during the decade before No Child Left Behind than after it was passed.”

ESSA moves the evaluation and control of schools from the federal government back to the states. States will determine how effectively schools are performing, and it will be up to the states to remediate and improve struggling schools. Students in grades 3-8 must be tested each year in English and math and once in high school. States now have the freedom to create/select their own tests. Evaluations of schools will include more than scores on standardized tests which will move education from

a focus on test preparation to developing critical thinking and broader learning. Time will show whether or not this change will improve student performance, just as it has shown the negative impact of NCLB. Denver Public Schools is being honored by the College Board with placement on the 6 Annual District Honor Roll for increasing access to Advanced Placement (AP®) course work while simultaneously maintaining or increasing the percentage of students earning scores of three or higher on AP Exams.

DPS is projected to continue to receive less state funding per student in 2016-17 than it did seven years ago when the state already hovered near the bottom nationally in per-pupil funding. Mark Ferrandino, DPS' chief finance officer, told board members this will mean significant challenges for Denver and for all Colorado school districts at a time when Colorado’s constitutional constraints require state leaders to issue tax rebates. The DPS Board may ask voters for a bond and mill levy override in November.

In January, DPS will present a detailed budget plan.

Susana Cordova has been appointed acting superintendent starting in January to serve while Tom Boasberg has taken a sabbatical to spend time and travel with his family. She has been a classroom teacher, a principal, chief academic officer and chief schools officer. In every role, Susana has focused on, and achieved, success for kids and for teachers. Susana is a graduate of DPS and has spent her career working for the district. She is deeply respected locally and nationally for her leadership.

Partnership for Assessment of Readiness for College and Careers (PARCC) results were shared with the public in December. Students will be bringing their results home soon. There has been much discussion about the test and the results. Several parents opted out of having their children tested,

BRIARWOOD 3 X 3 3/8

The Downtown Denver Expeditionary School (DDES) is a Denver Public School charter founded by parents, community members and business leaders seeking a high-performing EL Education school, DDES serves a diverse range of families who live and work in the city center.PHOTO COURTESY OF DDES which may have significantly skewed the results for this year.

Scores from the state tests in English language arts and math should be considered a new baseline for measuring student success, said state education officials as results and participation rates were released for schools and districts.

Results for all 178 school districts and 1,836 schools can be found on the Colorado Department of Education (CDE) website: cde.state.co.us.org. In some cases, performance level data was suppressed within specific levels to protect student privacy.

Several changes are planned for testing in 2016. Testing time has been reduced to 60 minutes in math and 30 minutes for English language arts. The testing window was reduced to one three-week window from April 11-29 unless the school requests modifications based on need due to issues based on computers and computer time. Students in grades 10 & 11 will no longer be taking the PARCC tests. Other tests will be used instead.

On Dec. 10, the board reviewed and provided feedback on an early literacy program for DPS, which aims to provide an intentional, comprehensive and coherent approach to early literacy across the district. The goal is to have 80% of DPS students proficient in reading and writing by the end of Grade 3 by 2020.

Denver Public Schools (DPS) honored former history teacher

and distinguished state lawmaker Regis F. Groff Thursday by naming a campus in Far Northeast Denver in his honor. Groff served as a teacher in Denver Public Schools from 1963 until 1978, teaching history and government at Smiley Junior High School, Lake Junior High School and East High School.

Michelle Moss, DPS board member for eight years lost her battle with cancer in December.

Mrs. Moss helped develop many new schools and programs in DPS including the Girls Athletic Leadership School (GALS).

Students return from the holiday break to most Denver schools on Wed., Jan. 6. There will be no school on Mon., Jan. 18 in honor of Martin Luther King Day. Parents and community members, if you are interested in donating time or money to your favorite school, go to the school’s website or call the school to see what opportunities are available.

Schools are constantly having fundraisers to earn money to add to their budgets so that they can provide more than the school budget allows. Volunteers are needed for committees and tutoring in many schools. Whether or not you have children or even know students in the schools, you can make a significant difference in the lives of the children.

Barrett, 2900 Richard Allen Ct., is the smallest elementary school in DPS and Columbine, 2930 E. 29th, is one of the smallest. This year the two schools will be combined into one at the Columbine campus. Barrett students are guaranteed a space at Columbine, although parents who choose to select another school for their children can go through the school choice process to apply to that school. Columbine is working to make Barrett students and families feel wanted and welcome as they go through this transition.

Cole Arts and Science Academy (CASA), 3240 Humboldt, will be dismissing students at 2:15 pm every Wed. People interested in learning more about CASA can sign up for tours in both English and Spanish of the school by contacting the school. CASA held a Turkey Trot for Thanksgiving and

awarded 50 turkeys to students.

While many people have heard of Montessori, they do not know what a Montessori school is and how it is different from other schools. Gilpin Montessori, 2949 California, has shared an explanation to help better understand what they have to offer: Why Montessori? A child has a natural inclination to learn.

Fostering that inclination in a thoughtfully prepared learning environment is the basis of the Montessori method of teaching.

It is focused on the whole child developing their physical, social, emotional and cognitive potential. Gilpin Montessori prepares students to step out into the world as engaged, competent, responsible and respectful citizens who will appreciate that they can learn all of their lives.

Dr. Maria Montessori developed the Montessori method. It has been time-tested with over 100 years of success in diverse cultures worldwide. The tenets of Montessori education are that each child is valued as a unique individual. Beginning at an early age, Montessori students develop order, coordination, concentration and independence. Students are part of a close, caring community. Montessori students enjoy freedom within parameters set by their teachers. Students are supported in becoming active seekers of knowledge. Self-correction and self-assessment are an integral part of the Montessori classroom approach. For more information about our school or to schedule a tour, visit their web page gilpin. dpsk12.org.

On Jan. 14 & 21, Gilpin will be offering tours from 9-10 am starting in the tour room for parents with children who will be at least age 5 in Oct. 2016. Thurs., Jan. 28 from 8:15-9am, the principal will have coffee with parents in the library.

Gilpin will be sharing PARCC data with parents in three different ways. School data will be included in the weekly newsletter on Jan. 14. More information will be shared at the CSC meeting on Jan. 20. This meeting is open to the public. On Thurs., Jan. 28, Principal Kimberly Riggins will also talk about PARCC results at

15 Pastries, Parents and Principal’s.

Montessori Academy of Colorado (MAC), 2500 Curtis, holds tours almost every Wed. at 9am for Preschool that typically last 75-90 minutes. Elementary tours are scheduled by appointment.

For more information about what the school has to offer, information about tuition, and necessary forms, go to montessoriacademyofcolorado.org.

Polaris Program at Ebert, 410 Park Ave., will host Staff Appreciation Day, Wed., Jan. 20 at 11 am.

University Preparatory School, 2409 Arapahoe, in grades 3 & 4 outperformed the DPS average in language arts. Grade 3 math also outperformed the DPS average.

Whittier, 2480 Downing, has an excellent list of family resources for parents. Go to whittier. dpsk12.org/family-resources to access the list. It includes educational websites such as Kahn Academy for math and other sites for vocabulary and reading.

Denver Schools of Science and Technology (DSST): Cole Middle School, 1350 E. 33rd, will host an open house on Wed., Jan. 13 at 5:30 pm. On Thursday it will host

tours from 7:45-9am, which will allow students and parents to see the school in action.

DSST: Cole High School, 3240 Humboldt, posted some of the top high school scores in Denver on the PARCC assessment.

DSST: Stapleton High School, DSST: Green Valley Ranch High School and DSST: Cole High School had three of the top four proficiency rates of all 45 Denver Public Schools’ (DPS) high schools for English and math. The PARCC assessment, a new statewide test that replaced the Colorado State Assessment Program (CSAP), is generally regarded as more rigorous. DPS has plans to open more DSST campuses in the future.

Manual, 1700 E. 28th Ave, will be getting a new companion middle school in the fall of 2017. Manual has been struggling over the last 15 years and has gone through several program changes that were attempts to improve the struggling school’s performance. The school has seen declining enrollment and stagnant test scores. The new middle school will be based on the McAuliffe International School that has been very successful in

CALENDAR

Talk About It,” a free prostate cancer information session for men, 5:30 - 7 pm at Rocky Mountain Cancer Centers, 1800 Williams, 3rd fl. Continues 2nd Wed. of every month. Call 303758-2030, ext. 139.

WEDNESDAY, JAN. 27: Denver Secular Recovery, a self-help, non “12-step” support group for people recovering from alcohol & drug abuse, meets in the 2nd fl. meeting rm. of the Denver Public Library, 13th & Broadway, 6:30-8 pm. Repeated the last wed. of every month. Call 303-278-9993 THURSDAY, JAN. 28: Monthly Kidney Cancer Support Group, 6 pm, The Urology Center of Colorado. Meeting will take place 4th Thurs. at 2777 Mile High Stadium in the 3rd Floor Conference Room.Call 303-762-7666 to register.

MONDAYS: Weekly meetings of Emotions Anonymous, 7:30-9 pm, CHARG Resource Center, Our Savior’s Lutheran Church, 9th & Emerson (use basement entrance on Emerson). Call 303-331-2493.

• Weekly meetings of SMART Recovery for people with addictive behaviors, Nourished Health Center, 1740 Marion, 6:30-7:30 pm. Free. Call 303-593-2535.

• Food Addicts in Recovery Anonymous, 7-8:30 pm, First Avenue Presbyterian Church, 1st & Acoma (1st Ave. side, downstairs). Call 303-425-9691.

• Cocaine Anonymous, St. Paul’s United Methodist, 16th & Ogden, 8 pm. Call 303-421-5120.

MONDAYS & THURSDAYS: Meetings of Life Ring Secular Recovery, a network of support groups for people who want to maintain continuous abstinence from alcohol & other drugs, Washington Park U TUESDAYS: Workaholics Anonymous, 5:45 pm, Capitol Heights Presbyterian, 11th & Fillmore. No fees. Call 720-565-9799.

Continued from 12

SUPPORT GROUPS SATURDAY, JAN. 2: “Sister to Sister” Breast Cancer Survivor’s Support Group, 1 -3 pm at Zion Senior center, 5151 E. 33rd. repeated 1st Sat. of every month.

Call 303-771-8784.

WEDNESDAY, JAN. 6: Dementia Caregiver Support Group. A safe to share concerns, coping techniques, and tips when caring for a loved one with dementia. 1301 E. Colfax, 10-11:30 am at The Center. Free. Repeated 1st Wed. every month. Call 303-951-5222.

THURSDAY, JAN. 7 & 21: Depression & Bipolar Support Alliance, Our Savior’s Lutheran, 915 E. 9th, 7 pm. Repeated every 1st & 3rd Thurs. Call 303-329-3364.

TUESDAY, JAN 12: Pulmonary Fibrosis Support Group at National Jewish Health, 1400 Jackson, Molly Blank Bldg., J105, every 2nd Tues., 1 pm. Call 303398-1912 WEDNESDAY, JAN. 13: “Let’s

DAZZLE JAZZ invites you to 'Blues Night' with the legendary 'Delta Sonics,' a jazz staple in Denver since 1992. 930 Lincoln, 10:30 pm., tickets at the door, 303-8395100; dazzlejazz.com

Holiday Blossoms of Light display glistens in the Pyramid Pond at Denver Botanic Gardens PHOTO BY JEFF HERSCH Park Hill. Jessica Long has been selected to be the principal of the new school. It is hoped that having a middle school in Manual will bolster enrollment, performance and interest in the school.

• Meetings of Marijuana Anonymous, numerous meeting places and times throughout the Denver area. Please call 303-6077516 for locations and times.

• Weekly meetings of Moderation Management, for problem (vs. chronic) drinkers who want to reduce their intake of alcohol, 6:30-8 pm at First Unitarian Church, 14th & Lafayette. Call 303-921-5125.

• Joy AL-ANON, 8 pm in the Roberts building, Room 103 at St. John’s Episcopal Cathedral, 1350 Washington. Call 303-831-7115.

WEDNESDAYS: Weekly Support Group for the local chapter of HEAL (Health Education AIDS Liaison), 7:30 pm. Call Marty at 303-355-0788.

THURSDAYS: Home for the Heart AL-ANON, 7 pm, Trinity United Methodist Church, 1820 Grant (lower level), 7 pm. Call 303-321-8895.

FRIDAYS: “Healthy Relationships,” 10 am - noon, Epworth United Methodist Church, 3401 high. Light snack. Call 303-3551014.

SATURDAYS: Alcoholics Anonymous Newcomers Group, 8:45 am, 1311 York, 3rd floor. No smoking, free. Call 720-495-4949.’

SUNDAYS: Nicotine Anonymous, 12:30 pm, Our Savior’s Lutheran Church, 915 E. 9th.

• Nar-Anon is a twelve step support group for families and friends of addicts to help themselves cope. There are no dues or fees. Weekly Denver meeting at First Unitarian, 1400 Lafayette, Sun., 6:45 pm.

FREEBIES FRIDAY, JAN. 1: Four Mile Historic Park Free Day, 715 South Forest St., 12-4 pm. Call 720-8650800.

SATURDAY, JAN. 2: Denver Art

On Fri., Jan. 15, Manual will host an alumni Basketball game in the Thunderdome at 5:30 pm.

This should be fun to watch!

There are some exciting things going on in the neighborhood

schools. From LIFE School Scoop, we wish you a wonderful new year!

Questions, comments or pictures: Contact Linda Katchen at drschoolscoop@gmail.com

VISIONS WEST GALLERY celebrates the winter in 'The Snow Show, 'a multi-disciplinary group of paintings, prints, and sculpture. The featured artists are Bayard Hollins, Rocky Hawkins, Tracy Stuckey, and Hacer. 1715 Wazee, through Feb. 2, 303-292-0909; visionswestcontemporary.com Museum Free Day, 10 am-5 pm, 100 W. 14th Ave. Pkwy., Free 1st Saturdays. Call 303-8921505.

SUNDAY, JAN. 3: Free day at Dinosaur Ridge, 9am-4pm, 16831 W. Alameda Pkwy., Morrison, CO. Call 303-892-1505.

FRIDAY & SATURDAY, JAN. 8 & 9: Denver Zoo Free Days, 2300 Steele St., 10-4pm. Call 720-3371400.

SATURDAY, JAN. 16: Molly Brown House Museum Free Day, 1340 Pennsylvania St., 10 am-3:30 pm. Call 303- 8324092.

MONDAY, JAN. 18: Denver

Botanic Gardens Free Day, 1007 York Street, 9 am-5 pm, Call 720865-3501.

THURSDAY, JAN. 21: Denver Zoo Free Day, 2300 Steele St., 104pm. Call 720-337-1400.

MONDAY, JAN. 25: Denver Museum of Nature & Science Free Days, 2001 Colorado Blvd., 9 am-5 pm. Call 303-370-6000.

SUNDAY, JAN. 31: Denver Zoo Free Day, 2300 Steele St., 104pm. Call 720-337-1400.

TUESDAYS: Classic Film Series at Denver Central Library, Level B2 Conference Center at 7-9:30 p.m. unless otherwise noted, free admission.

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Sunday, 8:00 & 10:30 am Lutheran Mass

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16

CITY COUNCIL

By Debbie Ortega, Councilwoman At-Large The Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) will release the Final Environmental Impact Statement for the rebuilding of I-70 from I-25 to Tower Road in mid-January. This $2 billion project will have a significant impact on the neighborhoods adjacent to the highway and there are numerous concerns about the impact of the project on the health of residents living adjacent to the highway.

I have been working to protect the adjacent neighborhoods, and although progress has been made, we still have a long way to go. Built in the early 1960s the I-70 viaduct was constructed bisecting the Globeville, Elyria and Swansea neighborhoods. As a result, Elyria is almost completely cut off from other neighborhoods and adjacent communities.

Nearly half of Swansea’s population lives north of the viaduct, and the other half to the south.

Existing local commercial cores were destroyed in all three neigh-

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borhoods, which left the communities without many of the basic services for more than half a century. Despite this damage, the housing stock has remained in a relatively good state of repair with a homeownership rate of about 50%, which is high among similar neighborhoods. These neighborhoods are predominantly Latino with Spanish as the primary language in the majority of households.

Major concerns have been raised about the project design and processes, proposed mitigation, impact on community vitality and the availability of economic opportunity for residents of impacted neighborhoods. As noted by the American Planning Association Technical Advisory Panel, there has been a lack of “system” thinking in developing the plan to replace the viaduct.

By improving the entire system in the north quadrant of the region, it would not be necessary to almost triple the width of the highway through these fragile neighborhoods.

This project will damage the

Time for a little cross country skiing in City Park. PHOTO BY JEFF HERSCH character, connectivity, cohesiveness, and environment of the adjacent neighborhoods. In Elyria alone, more than a third of the existing families that make up that tight knit urban community would be displaced. Just imagine your neighborhood if a third of the families were relocated and consequently a third of the children missing from classrooms.

The remnant community will be more damaged and more isolated than it was as a result of the 1960s destruction of the neighborhood for the original highway.

These remaining neighborhoods will be negatively impacted by increased noise and air pollution from excavation, demolition,

construction equipment, traffic congestion and the ongoing operation of the highway. Although CDOT’s modeling indicates air pollution will be less after construction, this has been challenged as dubious and unrealistic. I have asked CDOT to focus on ways to decrease near-road pollutants including airborne particulate matter and mobile source air toxics. Airborne particulate matter is associated with increases in mortality and hospital admissions due to respiratory and cardiovascular disease.

The impacts from these pollutants are particularly negative for the young and those living within 500 feet of a major road-

way. Nearly 300 homes will be within 500 feet of the expanded highway. Exposure to roadway pollution and potential exposure to heavy metals in the soil from the former ASARCO plant, Globe smelter and other industrial users has and will continue to impose significant financial, economic and social costs on our community.

There are other numerous outstanding concerns about this project. I invite you to visit my website, to learn more, and then I encourage you to raise your voice to City Council, Mayor Hancock, Governor Hickenlooper and others, that we can and must do better by our neighbors.

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